Significant Awards Well Deserved

Sunrise Foundation warmly congratulates two of our staunch supporters—Tim Marshall and Professor Joe Mayhew—who recently received significant awards. Tim received the King’s Service Medal and Joe the Companion Order of New Zealand in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their significant contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tim Marshall, co-founder and kaihautū (co-ordinator) of Tauawhi Men’s Centre, received the medal for services to the community and waka ama. A champion for wellbeing and safety in Tairāwhiti for over 30 years, Tim has played a key role in creating spaces where men can engage in personal change and community connection.

In 2006, he co-founded Tairāwhiti Men Against Violence, a grassroots initiative addressing male violence in the home. This led to the opening of Tauawhi in 2010—a dedicated men’s resource centre offering counselling, non-violence programmes, and social support. Since then, Tim has led over 20 national "Call to Men" hui, supported the establishment of emergency accommodation for men, and advocated for male survivors of abuse through Te Hokai Male Survivors Tairāwhiti.

A strong advocate for sustainability, Tim was also instrumental in seeding a dedicated endowment fund with Sunrise Foundation to support the long-term future of Tauawhi’s work.

“Our vision to create a community of caring men still remains. That’s what keeps us going—and partnering with Sunrise means our work can continue long after we’re gone,” he said.

Professor Joe Mayhew was honoured for services to the veterinary profession, particularly equine medicine. A world authority in equine neurology and large animal medicine, Joe returned to New Zealand in 2006 to serve as Professor of Equine Studies at Massey University. Under his leadership, the school became a world leader in veterinary science and achieved full international accreditation.

Joe has served on numerous veterinary boards around the world and continues to contribute actively despite semi-retirement. “I’m about 40% retired,” he says with a smile. “I still like to keep my hands dirty.”

Joe’s support for Sunrise reflects his quiet generosity and commitment to community. Each year, instead of traditional Christmas presents, his family receives Sunrise gift vouchers—supporting our General Fund and encouraging philanthropy across generations.

Both Tim and Joe embody the values at the heart of Sunrise Foundation: long-term thinking, commitment to community, and a desire to make a lasting difference.

We are proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful for the impact they continue to make in Tairāwhiti and beyond.